COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday
Lanaudière, Saguenay regions reached a record high for new daily COVID-19 cases on Thursday
- Quebec reported 1,138 new cases of COVID-19 and 28 more deaths on Thursday, 10 of which were in the past 24 hours. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 111,056 confirmed cases and 6,378 people have died.
- There are 538 people in hospital (a decrease of one), including 82 in intensive care (an increase of one). Here's a guide to the numbers.
- Having trouble keeping track of what's now closed? Consult our list.
- CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, please get in touch.
The Lanaudière and Saguenay regions reached a record high for new daily COVID-19 cases on Thursday, with 162 new cases in Lanaudière and 109 in Saguenay.
Quebec Premier François Legault said at a news conference Thursday afternoon that those two regions have the highest number of cases per capita, and that he has asked the health and public security ministers to see what they can do to help.
"There is really a problem," Legault said.
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The daily total of COVID-19 cases across the province has remained relatively stable since red zone restrictions were put in place, but in recent days, the number of hospitalizations related to the virus has crept back up.
Since last Friday, the number of people in hospital has gone from 496 to 538.
Even if the situation in Montreal does appear to be improving, there is no question of reopening gyms, museums, concert halls or restaurants in the province's COVID-19 red zones anytime soon, despite a request from Montreal public health officials to roll back some of them.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Here's everything you need to know about getting the flu shot this year.
- A daughter of a 90-year-old is left without answers after a CLSC-referred house cleaner refused to wear a mask.
- The Montreal General Hospital is grappling with its second outbreak in less than a week.
- The pandemic has forced many Quebecers into difficult choices, including a teacher who was forced to take an unpaid year off to care for her immunocompromised child.
- The province's public health director says COVID-19 vaccinations in Quebec could begin in early 2021.
- Here's how the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region has largely dodged the second COVID-19 wave.
- How rapid tests work and why timing is critical.
- Quebec doctors treating COVID-19 have new techniques and treatments but there is still some unknown.
- This is what you can and can't do while living in a red zone.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever.
- New or worsening cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
- Gastrointestinal issues (such as nausea, diarrhea).
If you think you may have COVID-19, the government asks that you call 1‑877‑644‑4545 to schedule an appointment at a screening clinic.
Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing is not possible. Wearing a mask is mandatory in enclosed public spaces across the province.
- Stay at least two metres away from other people as much as possible.
- Self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a stay outside the country.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.